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Suspension - Knock From Vehicle Rear on Launch

Bulletin No.: 04-03-09-003A

Date: April 20, 2004

TECHNICAL

Subject:
Knocking Noise from Rear of Vehicle on Aggressive Launch or Acceleration (Install Rear Suspension Crossmember Front Mount Insulators)

Models:
2004 Pontiac GTO

Built Prior to VIN Breakpoint 4L246712

Supercede:

This bulletin is being revised to change a torque specification within the correction procedure. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 04-03-09-003 (Section 03 - Suspension).

Condition

Some customers may comment on a knocking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. This noise occurs during an aggressive launch or acceleration and will be more common on vehicles with a manual transmission.

Cause

The cause of this condition may be contact between the body and the rear suspension crossmember.

Correction

Install insulators, P/N 90447991, and new bolts, P/N 92038482, between the body and the rear suspension crossmember using the procedure listed below.





Important:
Only remove the bolts from one side of the suspension crossmember at a time, and DO NOT loosen the opposite side, until the insulator is installed on the first side and all fasteners have been tightened to the specified torque setting.





1. Raise and support the vehicle. Position rear hoist arms as shown.

2. Support the rear suspension crossmember just under the brace (2) using an adjustable jack stand.

3. Remove the 3 brace to underbody bolts (3).

4. Remove the front mount bolt (4) attaching the rear suspension crossmember to the underbody.

5. Lower the jack stand slightly to allow clearance between the crossmember and the underbody.

Important:
When installing the insulator onto the crossmember front mount bushing, face the corrugated side upwards, so it bears against the underbody.

6. Install the insulator (1) between the underbody and the upper part of the crossmember, ensuring to seat the insulator firmly onto the center of the crossmember front mount bushing.

7. Raise the crossmember using the jack stand until it is pressing firmly against the underbody.

8. With the jack stand still in position to support the crossmember, install the new front mount bolt and the 3 brace to underbody bolts.

Tighten

Tighten the crossmember front mount bolt to 125 N.m (92 lb ft). Use J 45059 Torque Angle Meter in order to tighten the bolt an additional 40 degrees.

Tighten

Tighten the brace bolts to 65 N.m (48 lb ft).

9. Remove the jack stand.

10. Repeat steps 2 to 9 for the opposite side.





Parts Information

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

Warranty Information





For vehicles repaired under warranty, use the table shown.





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